#NaPoWriMo #GloPoWriMo 2024, Day 5
Let memories shed
Like caducous filaments
Not burrow so deep
Into the crevices and nooks
Of my shredded, bleeding heart
© Aneesha Shewani
https://www.bluepenstrokes.comTag: writerscommunity
Fatigue
#NaPoWriMo #GloPoWriMo 2024, Day 4
Just like yesterday
Today ends craving for rest
Hustle has consumed
Moments to pause and reflect
The mind is stunned by fatigue
© Aneesha Shewani
https://www.bluepenstrokes.comResidue
#NaPoWriMo #GloPoWriMo 2024, Day 2
A gray pallor sets
Each time the city exhales
On walls, drapes once bright,
In homes where every sigh weighs
Heavy as the air outside.
© Aneesha Shewani
https://www.bluepenstrokes.comSummer Dreams
Throughout April 2024, I invite you to join me on a poetic voyage to celebrate the beauty of language, expression, and creativity—one Tanka at a time. Bookmark the category: Making Verse – NaPoWriM2024.
#NaPoWriMo #GloPoWriMo 2024, Day 1
My dreams sprouted wings
One alights on the window
In summer’s warm glaze,
Resting from a tiring flight
Beyond grasp, yet within sight.
© Aneesha Shewani
https://www.bluepenstrokes.comBook Review: Cat & The Dreamer
Mystery, melancholy, and a struggling protagonist in a novella that is a compelling read: Cat and the Dreamer by Annalisa Crawford
Book: Cat & The Dreamer
Author: Annalisa Crawford
Genre: Fiction
Review copy: BookSirens
Available at: Amazon.in
Recommended: Must read
Trigger warning: Death, bullying
Mystery, melancholy, and a struggling protagonist in a novella that is a compelling read
Cat and the Dreamer by Annalisa Crawford is a captivating read that deftly intertwines elements of mystery and melancholy. Crawford’s writing style is exquisite, drawing readers in with its expressive prose and evocative descriptions. “My dreams are always vivid, lurid almost, like an over-exposed photo. It’s how I know what’s real. Reality is tinted with a disappointing grey pallor, washed out, even when the sun is shining and the sky is cobalt blue, or golden leaves are falling from the trees.”
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Crawford’s character introduction and development. Readers are quickly drawn to Julie, the protagonist, intrigued by her mysterious aura. As an adult professional still living with her parents, her life circumstances pique interest. Julie is portrayed as self-conscious, burdened by the past, and experiencing waking dreams that blur the lines between illusion and reality, as she searches for “A Perfect Dream.”
Crawford expertly spins a storytelling web that captivates readers, keeping them engrossed until the very end. She presents a unique perspective through monologues, with references to the ‘cat’ that emphasize its wild traits over its typical feline cuteness. The book cover is a succinct portrayal of how Julie’s dreams are her escape portal.
Overall, Cat and the Dreamer is a slow-burn fiction that rewards readers with its engaging narrative and unfolding revelations. Crawford’s skillful writing and masterful storytelling make it a must-read for fans of literary fiction. The novel develops gradually, demanding the reader’s concentration, introspection, and appreciation of a poignant story told in a unique style. Importantly, the book sheds light on the complexities of adolescence, the impact of peer influence on young adults, and the burdens one can carry throughout life.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blue Pen Strokes 